The Effect of Core Training Practices on Some Strength, Lower Limb Functions and Balance Performance in Judo Athletes

Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 507 - 520, 25.10.2023

Yavuz Yasul , Enes Akdemir , Salih Öner , Berna Anıl , Esra Korkmaz , Mine Pekesen Kurtça , Ali Kerim Yılmaz

https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1329696

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of core training on some strength, lower extremity functions, and balance performances in judoka. The study was based on a two-group pretest-posttest experimental design with repeated measures. The study included 12 female (F) judo athletes aged 12-18 years and 10 male (M) judo athletes aged 12-17 years. Three measurements for core strength (push-ups, planks, sit-ups), six different single leg hop tests (SLHT) for lower extremity muscle strength and YBT for balance were performed before and after 6-week core training. Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, and Paired sample t-tests were used in statistical analyses. The increases in limb symmetry index (LSI) scores were remarkable. When the push-up and plank times and sit-up scores of F and M participants were compared with the pre-test, a significant increase was observed in favor of the post-test. When we examined the dominant (D) leg hop for distance, we found that M and F judoka's SLD, THD, MSTHD, MRHD, and CHD post-test scores all increased (except F; CHD) and also M and F showed better performance in SL6MD. Similar performance outputs were seen in the non-dominant (ND) leg hop for distance measurements (only not changed F; THND). Finally, it was valuable to note that both right and left leg YBT scores showed a considerable rise in the post-test assessments. As a result, core exercise practices may improve the sit-up score by improving the time in push-ups and planks in judoka. In addition, it may improve balance performance by affecting lower extremity functions.

Keywords

Core treaning, combat sports, limb symmetry index, Judo, hop tests, Y balance test

Supporting Institution

There is no financial support for the research.

Thanks

We thank participants for contributing to the study.

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